Air NZ angered by Mt Erebus charter flight
AUCKLAND – Air New Zealand has accused a businessman who plans to run a charter flight to Mt Erebus – scene of the 1979 air disaster – of being “deeply disrespectfulâ€.
Air New Zealand said it has been working closely with the families of those lost in the Erebus tragedy – 237 passengers and 20 crew perished when the Air NZ jet plunged into Mt Erebus – “to understand their needs and explore on their behalf options for visiting Antarcticaâ€.
Air NZ is running a 30th anniversary flight to Mt Erebus this weekend with family members of some of he 1979 crash victims on board.
The airline said it has been in close dialogue with the NZ government and Antarctica New Zealand, as owners of the resources required to facilitate such trips to Antarctica and in particular Mt Erebus.
Air NZ said it was “deeply disturbed by what appears to be a PR stunt on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Erebus tragedy and the attempt to leverage commercial gain from this anniversary”.
Air NZ said Christchurch businessman Mike Pero did not engage with Air New Zealand over his plans for the flight to Antarctica or any opportunities this might present to families of Erebus victims.
“Therefore, the airline finds his announcement three days prior to the anniversary of the tragedy to be nothing more than commercial opportunism of the lowest kind and deeply disrespectful.â€
Air NZ added, “Mr Pero needs to acknowledge to anybody signing up for the proposed flight that he cannot guarantee the aircraft will fly over Mt Erebus as weather conditions can be extremely changeable and hostile in Antarctica.â€
Pero said he planned to charter a flight with room for 307 passengers, with the families of Erebus victims getting priority.
The cost will vary, ranging from NZ$1400 to almost NZ$9000 for a seat in First Class.
The 12-hour flight is scheduled leave Christchurch on January 31 next year.
Later, Air NZ said it had been in touch with Mr Pero and offered to facilitate contact with victims’ families so he could “better understand [the families’] wishes, preferences and perspectives”.
Pero said Air New Zealand’s comments that his plan was “opportunistic” had left him “deeply disappointed and hurt”.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt